If you post what you're looking for in a build and what your budget is, we can help you out.

Okay! Im a software guy, not a hardware guy, so i have no idea about these parts, but i picked them out of MaximumPC and a few other PC magazines... Here is what im trying to do....

A windows 7 gaming computer, with a budget around 1500$. I need everything, including monitor/keyboard. My theory is that if it can handle games with the high intensities like Far Cry 3, then it can handle MSWord and Photoshop/DreamWeaver lol So here is what i have compiled so far:

The only problem is that im not sure if any of these components are compatible with eachother, if they are out of date (some are), if there are better options for less money, and im also spending too much.

Right now, with those specs, im also 350$ or more out of my budget..

So!
Help me slim the cost down, upgrade some of the more important aspects and help me save money on the stuff i dont need. Ya know, spec it out for me

newegg.com is where I get parts. Been building PCs for awhile, I remember being super intimidated my first time but I was surprised how simple it was. Everything you posted looks compatible. Main thing you want to check [on the motherboard] is the CPU socket type, memory it can support, and the number of PCI slots. As long as it matches to you CPU, RAM, GPU, and Sound, then your good. Yours do.

Back in January another user had a similar situation. This is a build I threw together really quick for them. While it is over budget for you, there are some pretty simple changes you could make that would drastically lower the price.

This build is honestly maybe a little out of date now don't use it verbatim. A lot of newer components have come out since. Switch out the 580 for 560 Ti or AMD equiv. and instantly save a few hundred $$$, remove the Intel 320 SSD and save more. Get one of the new ivy bridge 3570k processors and save a bit more. It is possible to make a fantastic gaming machine for only $1300 or maybe less if you take your time getting the components.

You may be able to get it cheaper if you look around, but be wary that it tends to sell out as well.

The timing isn't great out of the box, but timings on Ivy Bridge systems isn't quite as important. And the memory o/c's like a champ. Check out the reviews, this is a hidden gem. It is also on a black PCB and low profile.

I spent around $650, buying the mobo, CPU, and GPU used and at significant discount, the rest on Newegg, also basing my purchases on discounts/rebates (i.e. Vertex 3 was $70). Didn't need any peripherals and using my old 2TB HD for storage.

I HIGHLY recommend the mobo to anyone looking to do a build--2x 6gbps sata, built in creative x-fi sound card, dual PCIe 3.0, full IB support, 2200 DDR3 support, and EXCELLENT BIOS and Windows utils. And it's $150 brand new on newegg. Can't see myself replacing it for 3-4 years. Just needs some PWM splitters if your case has a bunch of fans.

I would recommend the 2500K/2550K over any other CPU atm. The hyperthreading of an i7 has no noticeable effect on gaming performance, and these chips clock phenomenally, typically up to 4.2/4.3 on stock volts. 4.5/4.6 with a slight increase (on air) and as high as 5 (on liquid). Just need a decent cooler, and the 212+ in unbeatable at ~$30.

I cheaped out on the GPU, but will be upgrading to a 570 soon. I really like EVGA's new warranty system (transfers with the card) and clocking utils. I've heard, though, that at some price points, ATI cards are superior.

PSU is a bit cheap; might upgrade in the future but no need for SLI so it satisfies the system.

I'll throw something together tomorrow, but I definitely want to recommend against the 6950. It's a great card for the money, but if you are looking to do any decent gaming it is not the right choice for you. I have it in my rig at the moment and it's one of the things that are on the way out when my box from Newegg arrives this week.

All of the build is inferior to this and cost more. I use to build my own PC but now I just purchase them built when I find good deals like this. It even comes with a free xbox 360 that you can resell for $150+

i didnt post on hardforums because my account took 20+ hrs to be activated

As you can see, there is a VAST amount of info i need to gain before i can select the right parts. What id like to do is discuss 2 parts at a time (from the most logical starting points). This will be my "build thread" so to speak. Ill try to update my first post with my build (including links) as time goes on...

First two parts
In my mind, i think i should start picking parts with these two:

-Case

-Motherboard (mobo)

Keep in mind my budget for this build. My preferences for these two items as it is:

I dont care if the case is large, and id like to keep it reasonably priced. I would prefer if it came with several fans if possible. So, what is your recommendations as far as cases go? Id like to have a case that would look good w/ LEDs too

My next item is the mobo. Im clueless on this part, because im not sure what is out there and what i need. I possibly will add/upgrade graphics cards/hard drives over time, and as my $$ permits.

So, lets start with these two parts! Ill start doing some research, and you all can pitch in what you know on these two parts only Once weve figured those two out, we can move on to processors/gpu's. Thanks so much, i honestly appreciate it, and think the E9X community is better than the PC forums anyways

Really seem to be splitting hairs with the motherboards, they are both good brands and pretty comparable stats. Gigabyte might edge out the MSI only because the BIOS [and I'm learning this just from reading the reviews] have limited options. It's only a big deal if you ever want to overclock it. I'm running a reasonably similar Gigabyte, I've had it for probably 2 years now and haven't had any problems. BIOS has enough to it to satisfy my OCing needs, but I don't get very serious with it.

You MIGHT consider looking into DDR3 2400 but that pretty much doubles the price.

Cases I really have limited knowledge and little opinion. I've always had a spare tower somewhere so I've never had to buy one. Just be sure the power supply you are looking at will fit. I'm using an old Gateway tower now because my Gigabyte board wouldn't fit in my old tower, and the new power supply I'm using is to big to fit... frustrating. Cooler Master is a reputable brand, and it does look cool.

Really seem to be splitting hairs with the motherboards, they are both good brands and pretty comparable stats. Gigabyte might edge out the MSI only because the BIOS [and I'm learning this just from reading the reviews] have limited options. It's only a big deal if you ever want to overclock it. I'm running a reasonably similar Gigabyte, I've had it for probably 2 years now and haven't had any problems. BIOS has enough to it to satisfy my OCing needs, but I don't get very serious with it.

You MIGHT consider looking into DDR3 2400 but that pretty much doubles the price.

Cases I really have limited knowledge and little opinion. I've always had a spare tower somewhere so I've never had to buy one. Just be sure the power supply you are looking at will fit. I'm using an old Gateway tower now because my Gigabyte board wouldn't fit in my old tower, and the new power supply I'm using is to big to fit... frustrating. Cooler Master is a reputable brand, and it does look cool.

Yeah, id like to OC it. Is gigabyte good for that?

As for the RAM, which 2400 would you recommend? If i skip the soundcard ( i can do that later) then im sure i could afford another 50$